FISH-NL challenges FFAW to province-wide debate

The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) is challenging the FFAW to a public debate on the representation of the province’s fish harvesters.

“Fish harvesters deserve answers, honesty, and a clear vision for the future — not yet more FFAW lies and deception,” says Ryan Cleary, president of FISH-NL. “Most fish harvesters do not trust the FFAW, or, as the union is better known these days, the ‘salt-water mafia.’”

FFAW members are being told that FISH-NL supports an end to the northern cod stewardship fishery, the demise of fishing EI, and is funded by the offshore sector.

“That’s outright deception,” says Cleary. “The FFAW is about smears and fear mongering, refusing to respond to the legitimate concerns of its membership.”

Concerns have been raised over secrecy surrounding revenues from the Fish Harvesters Resource Centres (FRC), the union-controlled dock-side monitoring company, as well as the so-called shrimp slush fund, the executive pension plan, union vehicles, out-of-control fees and charges, and a myriad of conflicts of interest.

“Most harvesters do not trust the FFAW for good reason,” says Cleary. “The union has mutated into a business that prospers as the fishery dies at its feet.”